The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) condemned this abominable crime that took place in France in the last few days, and revealed in its press release that “violence is a crime against God and humanity, so how would it be if it hid behind righteous choice, in contrary of the message of all religions that is based on love, peace, solidarity and admitting the right of diversity and interaction; while considering diversity a rich cultural heritage”.

MECC added, “We were outraged, as was the entire world, with the comeback of the hate speech, the persistence on spreading fear and to committing to terrible massacres against innocent people, which is incompatible with the religions' doctrines, laws and moral obligation to safeguard the freedom of belief that is linked with the freedom of conscience; which requires the entire world--with its religious, political, academic, media and educational references--to increase the confrontation with terrorism and extremism; to make the language of dialogue, love and moderation govern; as well as to adopt moderation in faith and lifestyles based on human dignity where a citizenship that supports diversity triumphs on exclusion, isolation and abolition."  

Furthermore, the MECC confirmed its contact with its partners across the map, whether it is local, regional or international, in order to deeply reflect upon coordination in the mechanisms to counter terrorism and extremism in all its forms, and to make the spirit of Human Brotherhood and common living a dominant aspect.

In conclusion, the MECC called for “rejecting the hate speech, to refuse all violence and to persist in raising the level of alertness in confronting these hate speeches and violence logic, and by activating awareness campaigns in the educational curriculum, on social media and in the religious guidance which will prevent conflict. This requires the formation of local, regional and international committees that tackle the subject of general preventive and proactive public policies against religious violence instead of being satisfied with simple condemning reactions.”